It is an exciting moment when a pregnant woman loses her mucus plug—it means that labor is on its way. But for some, the time between losing the plug and starting active labor can be long and arduous. So, what can women do to help speed up labor after losing their mucus plug? Read on for some helpful tips!
Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated is key to speeding up labor after you have lost your mucus plug. Dehydration can cause contractions to be less effective or even stop entirely. Make sure you are drinking plenty of water throughout the day and increase your intake if you are having contractions.
Staying hydrated will also help keep cramping at bay, which can make it easier to relax in between contractions.
Move Around
Moving around will also help speed up labor after you have lost your mucus plug. Walking, swimming, dancing—any physical activity that gets your body moving will help get things going. If possible, take a walk outside in the fresh air or go for a swim; both activities are great ways to keep your body active while also helping promote relaxation and comfort during active labor.
Rest as Needed
It’s important to remember that rest is essential for both mom and baby during this time. While it might seem counterintuitive, resting helps speed up labor because it gives your body time to recover from contractions so that they are more effective when they come back around again.
Try taking a warm bath or using a birthing ball or other comfort measure when contractions start getting intense; this will give you an opportunity to rest without completely stopping your progress into active labor.
Conclusion:
Losing one’s mucus plug is an exciting sign that birth is imminent but often times it can be hours before active labor begins. To help speed up the process, stay hydrated and keep moving as much as possible by walking or engaging in other physical activities such as swimming or dancing. Make sure to take breaks and rest as needed so that mom and baby remain healthy throughout the process of bringing a new life into the world!
